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Question: what meds are there to wake up the mind and make one interested in things. I have ADHD and depression since a child, but was not diagnosed until I was an adult at age 59. I have been taking D-amphetamines for a long time, but now they are not working, because I have to keep upping the dose, which I cannot keep doing. Additionally to the amphetamine, I have taken bupropion, which made me sleepy and trazodone which gives me a bad reaction.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, welcome to HealthCareMagic, and thank you very much for your premium question.
You ask what medications can help make you more interested in things. Let me give you my thoughts.
You describe the symptom of anhedonia, meaning a lack of interest in things. Often associated with this are the symptoms of low energy, lack of motivation, and sleepiness. These are symptoms of depression. From what you are telling me, you have a diagnosis of depression, and I believe you may currently be depressed.
The good news is there are many medications that can help with this condition. You mention Wellbutrin and trazodone, but say these are not helping you that much. I actually do not prefer to use those medicines as first-line treatment.
I suggest you try Lexapro, starting at 10mg and slowly increasing to 20mg daily. This is a very effective antidepressant with very few side effects. I believe this will help you be more interested in things you enjoy.
Amphetamines do not increase interest, they only increase concentration. I agree with you and do not think these are the answers to your problems, and I would not increase the dose.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, welcome to HealthCareMagic, and thank you very much for your premium question.
You ask what medications can help make you more interested in things. Let me give you my thoughts.
You describe the symptom of anhedonia, meaning a lack of interest in things. Often associated with this are the symptoms of low energy, lack of motivation, and sleepiness. These are symptoms of depression. From what you are telling me, you have a diagnosis of depression, and I believe you may currently be depressed.
The good news is there are many medications that can help with this condition. You mention Wellbutrin and trazodone, but say these are not helping you that much. I actually do not prefer to use those medicines as first-line treatment.
I suggest you try Lexapro, starting at 10mg and slowly increasing to 20mg daily. This is a very effective antidepressant with very few side effects. I believe this will help you be more interested in things you enjoy.
Amphetamines do not increase interest, they only increase concentration. I agree with you and do not think these are the answers to your problems, and I would not increase the dose.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I do also lack focus or concentration also. Please help.
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Lack of focus or concentration can be a symptom of either ADHD or depression. Because you list so many other depressive symptoms, I believe your lack of concentration is caused primarily by depression at the current time. I would keep the stimulant dose the same, and start the antidepressant as I advise above.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Lack of focus or concentration can be a symptom of either ADHD or depression. Because you list so many other depressive symptoms, I believe your lack of concentration is caused primarily by depression at the current time. I would keep the stimulant dose the same, and start the antidepressant as I advise above.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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